BF 1301 
.D47 
Copy 1 






THE 



HEREAFTER 



LIFE ON THE OTHER SIDE. 



.<{* 



By .MRS. CORNELIA DeYYITT. 



I I 9& 



TITUSYILLE : 
E. C. BELL, PRINTER, 1 879. 



/ 

\ 






Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1879, by LEVI MASON, in the office 
of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



INTRODUCTION. 



This little volume was written by my son and wife 
through a medium of this city. My son died Dec. 29, 
1 861, and my wife died June 7, 1868. So the boy 
commences and writes his life, on the other side, up to 
the time of his mother's arrival; and then my wife writes 
to the present time. It is intended more particular for 
the immediate friends and relatives of our family. But 
should others read it out of curiosity, I hope it may be 
the means of opening their eyes to the beautiful life 
hereafter, instead of doing them an injury. 

Yours Truly, 

LEVI MASON. 

TitusvilLe, Pa., Nov. 10, 1879. 



NOTE. 

I wish to say that Mrs. DeWitt, the Spiritual Medium, who wrote 
this book, never knew any one of the persons whose names are men- 
tioned as Authors, or otherwise, while they were on earth, and had 
no knowledge of them in any way. But merely wrote mechanically 
as the spirits directed her hand, and I know the above to be true. 

LEVI MASON. 



NARRATIVE. 



It was at the close of the month of December that I was 
so suddenly called to this home across the dark river without 
a moment's warning of the sad fate I was to meet with. 

Leaving my lovely home so full of mirth, and anticipating 
a few hours of so much pleasure before the nightfall, and 
with a sweet boy-like smile, went on my way with other 
small friends, and in a few hours there came to my parents 
the sad news of their son's death. A sweet mother was 
stricken with terrible grief, almost never to be outlived and 
all life and joy fled almost forever. Yet ever by her side in 
life stood a dear and loving husband and father, to bear 
gently with her the sad, sad loss of her dearest hopes. 

Yet as years rolled by and I began to realize what this 
life was, and that I could return to the dear ones, bringing 
sweet comfort to those whose sorrows had weighed down 
their life by thoughts of one who was the favorite of so 
many dear friends, I felt happy. 

But when this grand religion of Love manifested itself 
there came like a ray of sunlight such a yearning after in- 
formation relative to spirit power, and like unto this day 
has my beloved people, father especially, been seeking 
through medias for a word of comfort from his son however 
small. 

This work is but a very small part of my spirit life, yet I 
will give each step as I have progressed while here. 



4 

As my body lay quietly in its casket, my spirit stood 
bent double, as I may say, with grief on account of my dear 
parents, as I was taken so quick that it could not be real- 
ized until after I was laid at rest. "Dear child we know he 
has gone to rest happily in the grave, though cut down 
like a delicate flower in full bloom." So thought our many 
friends. Yet there I stood by the side of my casket and 
thought why do you mourn for me dearest mother? I am 
not dead, I am here in spirit. Many tears did I dry with 
my happy thoughts when daily visiting my dear home. I was 
there and did all that was so pleasant to be engaged in when 
in life, by a boy of fourteen years. 

But when my body was laid in its resting place, then I 
was ushered into the glorious world of Love, and not till 
then. Then it was that my heart rejoiced at seeing aunts, 
uncles, little school mates and so many friends too numer- 
ous to mention. I almost forgot for a moment my dear 
ones who still lingered on the other shores waiting to 
catch a glimpse of some light, that they might see some 
emblem or token of their much loved son. But now comes 
that which will interest every child of the great human fam- 
ily, and give strength to the skeptic or unbeliever ; and will 
greatly help to endorse all that is true and beautiful in this 
great and progressive world. 

The first I remembered after my dreadful fall, was 
that I stood looking at the mass of clay that bound 
my spirit, while in life, and wondered why we mourn after 
dear friends who pass over the dark river of life. I seemed 
to have forgotten, for some time all that had taken place, 
for the angels had taken me so far away, revealing to me 
the beautiful heavens, and joys to come, and meeting so 
many little friends with whom I had been so very intimate 
on earth, that I was perfectly enraptured. After that when 
the spirit extended to me the right hand of good fellowship, 



5 
then the Fathers love began to reveal itself to me. The 
first joyful hymn sung by the happy band of angelic mes- 
sengers was, 

"Dear child and brother, we welcome you to our Eternal home." 

No language can ever express the enchanting music in 
which the song was rendered. Then one beautiful spirit 
delivered an address. The subject was, "God is Love." 

We know He is by this beautiful dwelling place. This 
spirit told me of the controlling power I would be allowed 
and that every day I could return to my earthly home 
with the kind assistance of countless dear ones, and 
manifest my presence so that my friends could know 
that I lived in glory, and had a home upon a more 
magnificent plan. Then another hymn was sung. 

"The Lord is in His holy temple, 
Let angels rejoice for it is well." 

Such a degree of enchantment came over my spirit that 
it gently soothed every pang of despair; and while in this 
trance a dear brother quietly came and placed in my hand 
a beautiful silvery harp attuned to God's high and holy 
praises. And ever have I been ready with its sweet chords 
to welcome every spirit to its dwelling place. 

Most heartily and cheerfully, did my fingers move over 
its silvery strings, when I saw my dearest mother on these 
happy shores, although her departure from earth was leav- 
ing my father in great sadness, as all that was so near and 
dear to him in life had gone. No more did she walk in life 
by his side hand in hand and ready to kiss away cares and 
lighten toils that are the lot of every earthly being. Yet 
nevertheless her absence from her earthly home in the flesh, 
she visited it daily in the spirit, always endeavoring to cheer 
and guide his footsteps in the right, and try to reveal to 
him the perpetual joy and happiness for him in spirit land. 



Of this she will speak hereafter in this little booklet, for 
the edification of the great family of human souls that has 
yet to learn the way of light and truth to the recognition of 
the Divine Protector. 

The first sphere reached in the spirit world was said to 
consist of vile, wicked people, who had always been engag- 
ed in murdering, and stealing various articles. There were 
no bright stars, no ray of sunshine, as in the sphere where 
I dwell. Great trouble and weeping was seen on all their 
brows. In other words I may use it to express myself, 
"There was weeping, and wailing, and knashing of teeth." 
This is what is meant by that passage of Scripture, "for 
great is the punishment to sit in darkness," as those poor 
creatures have to do. They thought it a good and happy 
state, but when I looked down to earth I said, "God bless 
a dear kind father and mother, who watched so tenderly over 
their son, who can now through their endeavors go up 
higher and enjoy life as upon earth, only higher and more 
divine. 

Then where is hell ? will be asked by so many. My dear 
people could you ever enter a worse hell? Could you ever 
get down to perdition any lower than this? It makes my 
spirit tremble with fear as I go back relating this history. 

Hell is what you make it, and the very same with heaven. 

It lies within the reach of every human being. 

If you choose intemperance, bad language and everything 
that is degrading, lie, steal and backbite your neighbors 
willfully, then hell will be your first abiding place. But on 
the other hand if benevolence, and charity for all, and good 
morals crown your character, then your home will be where 
the never fading flowers shall perfume the air, and where 
angels gently bend in assurance to each other. This 
first sphere is the lowest place. You cannot go down to 
perdition any further. No eternal lake of fire awaits any 



7 
poor weary sinful heart. No damnation more than what 
I have given you. 

Then the second sphere is where they are raised up out of 
the prison I spoke of, and they rejoice unspeakably to see 
the light; and no further do they seek the light. This is 
the perfected state they say. But when the angels come 
revealing brighter joys, they w r eep to see their beautiful 
robes covered with stars and crowns of never fading lustre 
upon their heads, and say in sadness for their earthly sins, 
"I will gladly follow after all I may learn of this blessed 
place." Then the messengers go daily asking the aid of 
the holy angels to lift them above the sinful lusts, and go 
on in the spiritual life. One grand eternal work of progres- 
sion. 

Now comes the third sphere where you see great gardens 
of flowers, and gold walks, and meet those of a higher and 
nobler nature, whose life upon earth has been more refined, 
and taught of God's love, and nursed in tenderness in the 
ways they should go. Oldear friends when I take this 
pencil to write, I am almost forgetful of my life, for there is 
so much need of teachers in this great truth that we go be- 
yond our powers, sometimes, almost forgetting that we 
work in the spirit. The desires are so great that unless we 
are able to give positive tests and proofs upon the first or 
second visit to a medium, we are nothing. 

This is not the fault of a medium. We are often kept 
back for the grand advancement of spiritual philosophy. 

Should every spirit give every part relative to his, or her 
life, while upon earth, the people who are so short sighted 
would say, that guarantees us a positive proof that spiritual- 
ism is a mere humbug. 

I have learned all I want to know. Notwithstanding 
how true they may reveal themselves to earthly friends 
there would, and does come following through their hearts 



to-day these sayings. Were they earnest seekers in church 
or spiritual things, they would stand and tremble at their 
many wrong thoughts. They condemn many honest mediums 
to-day for portions of their nonsensical wishes, which are 
not answered by sensible spirits to the desired effect. 

For us to have good comunion with this world, you must 
adopt yourselves to our ways and powers, and not think 
you will control heaven as your earth is governed. For 
you cannot advance the cause, but only bring yourself dark- 
ness in spirit, and be a detriment to all spiritual powers 
therein contained. 

God has ordained this power to go so far and no farther. 
And as "he maketh the sun to shine upon the evil as well as 
the good, so will he reveal himself in due season in every 
good work." 

He is the Almighty ruler, and will be obeyed, and unless 
we do as we are taught, if I may be allowed the expression, 
we are taken and placed for a season away from all control- 
ing power, until we know that he rules the heavens and 
the earth. 

There are so many different spirit opinions, and so many 
that exercise authority the same as upon earth, that heaven 
would be in the same unsettled state that your government 
is in to-day, should not law and order govern this eternal 
world ? 

Hence we do not punish or shut any in prisons, but all is 
done through the good will of every spirit. Love is the 
all prevailing power of government in heaven. 

For God is love and teaches through love, not fear, "for 
perfect love casts out fear," so we are taught in the Script- 
ures. Could the holy Scriptures be understood in the prop- 
er way and light, there would be no room for prison walls, 
no call for the gallows, no call for the hangman, but it would 



9 
gild the leaves of life's book with another charm, and blot 
out sin and degredation. 

Before spiritualism can control the world, we must have 
love towards all, and harmony reign supreme, and the world 
at large, generally speaking, must learn the way to live and 
exercise the very best taste for society, and cultivate every 
thought and action to the highest abilities given to man. 

God has given light and reason to his beings, and 
they should not abuse any part of it, but be sober temperate 
men or women, and perform every good and noble work 
left undone by them. 

God has been charitable and full of compassion towards 
his children, and should you not be anxious and seek dili- 
gently every ray of light that would build up your spiritual 
beings. 

I answer, you are wasting your time, O ! man or woman. 
There is a time for hilarity and sobriety, and so many fail 
to understand it until too late, then they are dashed into 
the eternal world without any warning, no time to mend a 
broken spirit, and could you see the aching hearts in this 
world you would say, I will use all the faculties I possess 
for the advancement of my spirit and to elevate and uplift 
me. That should I depart this life I can rise above this sin 
and can return with joy to cheer and endorse all truth and 
granduer of the spirit world. Although in this world, as far 
as I know, three-fourths of the people that we call believers 
go through life in a careless, wicked manner, so that it re- 
quires ages of time to overcome such dispositions, as they 
are inclined to, cling to all traits of character as in life, thus 
making it harder for those to advance. It is very essential 
to have it divided and limited in this life. The ways of life 
are misterious and past finding out, and is indeed full of 
meaning. Could every person go at their will, it would be 
a curiosity shop, and nothing could ever spring forth. Yet 



IO 

as I go from private gatherings and witness the different 
manifestations of spirit power, I wonder at countless circles 
getting any results whatever. For the great reason they 
are too inquisitive. Should I use the expression, they are 
going beyond man's ability and preceptions, and this makes 
it to small in the sight of any learned spirit to notice. Now 
as much as I have seen of this life as I have heretofore stat- 
ed, I am amased at the manifestations you receive. Could 
you not afford to give attention, charity, and good feeling 
to compensate the instruments who many times are so ready 
to give you, so far as they are able all that is within their 
reach. But were we to answer this question we could not 
in justice to either side say you are. 

You often pluck that which we cherish and hold as the 
necessary elements for us to control, and we are crowded 
to one side, and other persons commune and manifest 
their presence. 

At the circle held at this medium's last evening, had 
the conditions been proper, you would have seen many 
beauties of this world, but where all is not in harmony, 
there is other controling powers which disturbs all law 
and order, and having to commence a gathering so often 
it becomes monotonous and a burden to all powerful spirits 
to return. So it is advisable to attend every one, and unless 
sickness prevents, they should consider themselves bound 
to our law, if they expect to receive good results. But 
we are not of so much importance. Sometimes as others 
are present, I speak not judging any particular party, but 
for any and all circles that have more or less the same un- 
easy feeling which is a detriment to them, not only on our 
own spiritual powers, but on their own. The field is so 
large there is room enough for all the laborers. 

The door is open to those hearts which are truly desirous 
of obtaining a knowledge of their future existance, and it is 



1 1 

broad enough to let all pass through, gently bidding others 
of a higher degree to enter. Now this kind and entire 
stranger who feels for every gifted person, is to sensative to 
intrude upon our power, and the only wish is to let those 
come who are good, and who will endeavor to make the 
best of every moment, and give those things which are the 
most needful. By such a disposition, she attracts those 
who otherwise would never return. So in all the walks of 
life be mild in connection with this world, believing not 
every spirit, but try them, and thereby you are growing in 
wealth of the soul. Then you will see the lillies of the val- 
ley, and the japonica in full bloom. We welcome gladly 
every true investigator as freely as we do friends who cross 
over the river. But now I must pass this by and take up 
more in order to relate all I wish to in a few words before 
others commence, which will be interesting to all. I am 
now in the fourth sphere. That is my dwelling place. I 
am bright and fair, more so, than many who passed over at 
that time. In many ways I had the advantages in life, as 
is seldom found in home teaching. Such as was instilled 
from babyhood up to my departure. 

This is indeed a progressive age. Each fellow creature 
advances as time brings forth new inventions, and opens up 
new developments. And so it is with the inhabitants of 
earth. Since I passed over, great discoveries have been 
made. All mechanics have been enlightened, and all science 
been improved. Histories of the United States are far above 
those written half a century ago, yet at that age of your 
great world, every leaf of the vast books of natures reveal- 
ing was full light, and what is it to day. The universe at 
large is progressing and what has promoted it. 

I answer it has been the angel's hearts united with man's, 
and all the faculties and instruments that we could work 
upon, has been many for man. Plans for using all sorts of 



12 

chemicals such as were not known of, by learned and noble 
men, even a quarter of a century ago. 

There is many other points of interest to be considered and 
as the time is limited, I am obliged to pass many of them 
by and have others speak of them. 

I am a steady worker in the field for man's advancement. 
The christian churches stand to day in fear of this beautiful 
theory they work diligently, and every moment is devoted 
to their church, while the spiritualists as a rule are cold and 
dead to the sweet cause, if I may so freely express myself 
they become excited and anxious to investigate for a season, 
then after the cold winter, the spring cometh, and it is for- 
gotten until some other form manifests itself to create ex- 
citement, and it has a glorious outburst again, and so on 
until the spiritual interest becomes weary and loses all 
desires to return to their loved ones. 

This I do not mean is the case with all, for while the world 
stands to-day, three-fourths of wicked ones we cannot work 
with convincing powers. If they were in harmony in every 
thought towards each other, and seek to save all that is 
good, that they may be laid up for theives not to steal 
from our stores. 

Dear friends one and all, this is to important to neglect, 
now is the time to learn of your future, you have it offered 
to you daily and hourly, from the lowest angel fingers, 
up to the nobelest man's intelect, and if it be rejected blame 
not the holy messengers from a world so pure. 

Could countless people be here they would never wish to 
return to the sinful world, as they would see the revealings 
of eternity. And so it is that many do return, for they 
become so discouraged with the world, that their ambition 
leaves them for ever from returning and they retire, gently 
working as god has ordained upon their coming. Of all 
my experience on earth and in heaven I have noticed, par- 



13 
ticularly in heaven, that there is so much trouble over the 
poor on earth, and often wondered if it was known, when I 
dwelt there. I can answer, and I think correctly, that it 
was. But my experience had not been a stern cold teacher. 

As I have looked into the lonely huts and discovered 
what had been with them. For out in the cold world many 
drooping mortals are cast; and such life never came up be- 
fore my vision ; and this is why I am a worker for the spirit- 
ual advancement of the human family. 

This is the one great trouble we have to contend with, 
and when it might be lessened by the spirit controls, should 
every one throw their homes and hearts open to receive the 
living bread from the great fountain of love, heads would 
no longer droop, hearts no longer ache. 

But also with all our spiritual endeavors we almost fail 
to accomplish the faintest light, but do we get weary and 
tired of visiting you? I answer no. Where we labor and find 
no reward, we go elsewhere and make ourselves known and 
be greeted with flowers. 

As I have been with this medium, I must say farther, I 
should praise her wonderfully, as the many trials and duties 
which would claim every mother's attention, and to see the 
disposition so generous that the moment a particle of time 
is seen, she invites me here, which invitation I accept with 
pleasure, although many times I feel rather small for so 
doing. But you will understand more fully when I get able 
to speak, and you hear mother's melodius voice singing out 
words so sweet and dear to your heart, it builds up all 
young and tender ties almost dead to you, and makes your 
dear white hair glow like the sun of twenty years ago or 
more. 

Dear friends and people this is one of the greatest priv- 
leges I ever have enjoyed since my arrival on this side in 
writing this small letter to my dear father, and words come 



H 
from all directions so swiftly I could use both hands and 
then not be able to write fast enough. Never mind the 
days are not far distant when Mr. Mason, Jr., will speak in 
public and private through this instrument. 

This is quite a promise, but as the light is breaking, and 
you will see the angels of heaven clad in robes of living 
white, walk this earthly floor, and all the energies given in 
the same direction we can come with great additions to our 
controling elements, and bring you the lillies of the valley 
in full bloom. Remember of course it somewhat depends 
upon your strength, and that all must assist, and whatever 
you lack we shall be strong enough to balance all, so 
as to produce the desired results. 

The great men of to-day stand amazed at the extra- 
ordinary manifestations, as they term them, and wonder 
what will the world be in years to come. Then the 
historical writers will be lost for subjects. The clergy- 
man will stand dumb, as to this vast controling power, 
and the world will be converted. When it becomes so per- 
fected, each will prophsey for themselves. Words will 
come from angels fingers writing the answers of the great 
and interesting questions of scientific men. The world is 
fast fading from the dark and superstitious views and being 
dressed in the golden lustre of heavenly joy. Heaven is no 
longer a terrible place to be called to without having been 
''washed in the blood of the lamb." 

Hell no longer burns to the core those old school inhab- 
itants but growing more beautiful to the dear ones of high 
and low estate. They say of a spiritualist, however foolish 
the belief may seem, how sweet it is that they can cherish 
such glowing truths and die shouting. O, grave where 
is thy string! O, death here is our victory! and go sweetly 
singing glory to the great spirit who doth all things for his 
children's good. And we repeat that it is joy, joy, joy, over 



i5 
the prodigals return in good earnest. I am rejoicing to see 
the converts in the spiritual belief for the past five years in 
this little city. When we first began this work many times 
did we faint, but with a fathers hand guiding us we were 
bid to cheer up and go on, and without a spark of shame 
on our side, we labored faithfully, and now to-day we can 
look up to him "who doeth all things" and say, -"glory to 
God in the highest" for at last we have gained a great vic- 
tory, and brought out many shining lamps of truth and 
beauty. Had we been left without any government we would 
have grown cold and indifferent, but with a brave captain 
we were led on until we have gained admission to earth, 
doors and this is our reward. It has given me this oppor- 
tunity of relating very briefly my life, and what I have en- 
joyed while here in spiritual form, it is poor but we are all 
poor, and must bear gently with each other, and in the 
"sweet bye and bye" you will see and hear more of your 
son, and know, that it is he who was dead once but lives in 
beauty and holiness, and where all live and move in equal- 
ity, and rejoice in this world. For lovely art thou, O, God 
of heaven and earth ! Thoughts from a far distant land, 
comes floating through the air to us like the sweet perfume 
of the flowers, pointing out the hidden treasures of earth, 
and bidding every member of the universal family heed the 
great voice calling them to higher duties than those of the 
past. The star of your future points out many different 
views of this world. Some are radiant and full of love, 
others are dimmed with the clouds of disease, war, and pes- 
tilence of many forms yet to pass over before you can see 
clearly again in the paths of earth. 

Often in the twilight hours as if to lull the sadness of the 
great family, there comes messengers from heaven, speak- 
ing to the weary soul, "peace be at rest, forout of war, 
there shall come peace and quietness, and from disease re- 



i6 

covery and sweet communion with the two worlds. Though 
the clouds gather thickly for a season you may be able 
through earnest endeavors to wend your way out of all 
difficulties, and see the brilliant star of hope in all its splendor. 
The christian masses teach by severe punishment. But 
dear friends, as I have assured you before, God will over- 
come every ill in life with charity and true benevolence, and 
bind the sting of dispair and gloom, that it may never again 
appear to be a detriment to other members, to see little 
ones coming to earth again with childish voices, beseeching 
fathers and mothers, and dear friends to pluck the shining 
flowers they bear them, that they can give a discription of 
the flowers, and all that is beautiful in spirit life, as a 
little child may lead them. Remember you receive a bless- 
ing whenever there comes one little bud as it will expand 
in full perfection, and on its dewy petals you will receive 
the emblem of life eternal. Baskets of fruit are plucked and 
handed down, and the very fruits most essential for a grand- 
er perception of your heavenly father, and the beauties 
which surround your pathway. Angels have strewn the 
road with flowers, and must they wither and die for want 
of care and cultivation? O, no! Although it is thought 
by some that our spiritual lamp must soon go out and then 
the flowers will disappear at the approach of winter, never 
to spring forth at budding time. But not so, all the flowers 
angels hands have transferred from this divine garden above, 
shall never be uprooted, but shall grow into perfect trees, 
and the dainty flowers shall receive the gentle dews from 
heaven till they are perfected, and the mission of earth per- 
formed, they will sow the seed that shall bring forth fruits, 
ten fold to man in coming seasons, and make angels rejoice 
at the return of spring. O this is a beautiful season, in 
heaven the loved ones feel so delighted over their success 
thus far in the world, that no language can express their 



i7 
joyfulness, and we say, ''behold the lillies of the field they 
toil not, neither do they spin," and yet they grow in all 
splendor, and we rejoice over everyone whose eyes are 
opened to behold the wonders of spirit teaching, and do all 
that we can to promote and point out more clearly the way 
for all who are being satisfied of the truth ! 

My reader we go not headlong dashing you into hell or 
heaven in an instant, but point gradually and carefully the 
way to spirit communion and release you from bondage, 
such as you have been a slave to these many days. We 
come bearing love from heaven, asking you to gently bend 
your ear and perchance you might hear some note of the 
long gone friends that would wake the soul from its dreary 
slumbers, and receive therein one sweet strain of natures 
great hymn. 

Now dear friends we have given to the best of our ability, 
at present something of the life yet buried from many. 
Also it is beautifully illustrated to many every day as they 
walk on earth and point out the rich hopes of meeting in 
this world of misterious powers aud being all in harmony 
like Christ the loving master who has revealed to this world. 
Now as there is many others to give their testimony to as- 
sure you of this blessed kingdom of love, I will close by 
saying that all the relatives of the family will each give a 
letter of a few words that you may know more fully and 
reveal family ties which I have not spoken of, being acci- 
dentaly thrown into communication with my dear father, I 
have described what life on this side is, and what each may 
expect if they follow in the ways of truth. 

My devoted mother, Mrs. Olive Bushnell Mason, also has 
given you her views as her perception and judgment are far 
different from mine, as no two are of the same mind or 
opinion ho more than in the body. I am greatly indebted 
to many kind friends for their assistance in writing. And 



may your highest hopes and aspirations be to live in har- 
mony with all the earth, that through the intercession of 
the upper world you may be able to see bright visions of 
heaven and discern your loved ones as we have endeavored 
to present them in the true light and glory of spiritualism, 
many blessings this world bestows, and may you be in 
sweet communion with the heavenly hosts for ever and 

ever. 

Yours Truly, 

FRANK L. MASON. 



NARRATIVE. 



My dear friends and husband I am happy to give you a 
few words, relative to the grand spiritual life hereafter. 

The hereafter is a great book. Never yet has any learn- 
ed teacher been able to solve that problem to any satisfac- 
tory extent, and never will they succeed in the slightest 
form until they ask the invisible hand to correct the mis- 
takes and blunders of ignorance during the past ages. 

We are of a forgiving nature, one toward another in spirit 
life. But it seems to me when I gaze on the beautiful world 
of spiritual blessings, and see what a vast controling power 
the world to-day possesses it makes me feel in a measure 
as if I could not come forth as one who was willing to bat- 
tle for freedom and the great work of soul saving. 

Could you look back ffom this side of life and see where 
you and I have been heedless, and continually throwing 
golden fruits away, you would only regret your being so 
idle and careless as to what knowledge you have of the 
hereafter. 

Spiritual powers were not so well known in my days, but 
had I been better posted in this theory I should have been 
to-day past earths power, and now I am interceding for all 
humanity. 

Ignorance to-day is worse than it has ever been, for where 
people are educated at this age with so much foolishness, 
they are worse than a person born of no mind or knowledge 



20 

of the present world, and are better fitted for spirit words. 
For they have nothing to educate. But on the opposite 
side where intelligent minds or people stumble and fall, we 
again claim its ignorance. God has shown all his works 
through ages in a plain simple manner, and yet all are stand- 
ing on the street corners like those of old, and one saying 
to another, why are only a few blest in the spiritual powers. 

We answer quickly my friends those whose hearts are 
open to the convictious of God shall receive the glory that 
awaits every child of God's family. 

The hereafter stands near you, and to look at it and un- 
derstand it is very clear to the inner being, and were it 
to open the door of ignorance to let the gentle breezes of 
the spirit land, cleanse it from all the mercenary diseases 
that it is subject to, it would soon become strong, beautified 
by the sunlight of love, into a perfect man or woman. It 
seems so simple to some that they will not spend time to 
investigate the subject. 

But to those my advice is, not to trouble after their souls 
good at any price they may be offered for it, it is of so little 
importance, that if any knowledge is offered free, it does 
not follow that any for the souls good is taken by those 
who have gone before, and whose chief aim is to open a 
door to true happiness toward the life hereafter. 

This power of communication with friends upon earth is 
not a mere fancy, and should be treated with the greatest 
sympathy, and not taken as sport for the moment. Reader 
have you any dear friends gone ahead who have no interest 
in your welfare ? I answer that there is not one who has 
so little interest, that they come to make light of their eter- 
nal home, and to tell you that there is nothing to be done 
to fit you for a better life. • Even the murderer, who has 
been judged according to your laws of the world, has no 
desire to return and tell others go and commit more sin and 



21 

crime. But they sit in darkness and weep for those who 
come to bring words of comfort to their hungry souls. And 
when we tell them of the beauties we see they are frantic 
with grief to know that misery is their lot and many times 
those who have been killed by their hands are the first to 
minister good unto them, and forgive them that they may 
be permitted to advance higher or to see a glimpse of light 
out of their darkness. 

The idea seems absurd. When we hear the churches and 
masses of people cry out, anything can be a spiritualist and 
as it is easy to become familiar with their philosophy you 
had better be one as it requires no confession, no creed, no 
nothing in fact is required and you can steal, rob, lie, or any 
other crime you may choose to commit, for you go to heav- 
en anyway. 

Oh ! my dear, often do I look down and pity those who 
are so fickle minded and wonder, oh! child were God to call 
you home to-day, what seat could he or she expect to have? 
Why I would be chilled at the words so thoughtlessly 
spoken by some of the educated people relative to the 
same. Were they deprived of history, and all books for 
about one year, and let nature sing her sweet chants of 
heaven to them it would be one of the most sublime 
lessons ever known to the children of men, ignorance 
then would be dealt within its true manner, and all branches 
of natural philosophy would grow with a radience never yet 
known. This life is one where every cord that links man- 
kind together is imperfect, and can be seen in time to pre- 
vent an injury or accident which if its laws are closely ob- 
served and followed out it would cement every link so 
firmly that the hand of misery and death could not carry 
your fellow brothers away by the hundreds daily. 

As time is precious, I will pass on rapidly giving you a 
view of all I can to-day, as this is a beautiful morning in 



22 



May I will continue in my work and give all that I can to 
the readers of spirit works, for I know that this little one 
will be read repeatedly and be held sacred to the grand and 
holy cause. The object of the spirit friends upon this side 
when they return is to lift the daily cares and trials for a 
moment as it were, and give the spiritual a glimpse of the 
sweet hereafter and warm all the earthly material, so that 
it can be externally moulded and fashioned into the beauti- 
ful images God has so earnestly desired. 

To-day when I look around among the firesides, of busi- 
ness or private circles, and see the difference in counte- 
nances, I smile with joy to always be able to look quietly 
into the hearts of so many dear ones who yet journey in the 
stormy roads with life's people with a cheerful trusting hope 
of meeting those gone before them. And when disappoint- 
ment and losses come in business, and the misfortunes 
which naturally arrives in everyday life, they still have the 
sweet hope of "meeting beyond the river in the sweet bye 
and bye," which is ever dear to the ear of those in the spirit 
world. Always skip lightly over the wrongs and think no 
evil of your fellow man and brother, and thereby you are 
growing in souls wealth and weaving the crown of glory 
and honor for yourself while on the other hand will be thorns 
of the deepest sting, woe, misery and contension will always 
follow until they repent and bring some offering for the 
wicked deeds and injuries done. 

Yes brothers and sisters you should always keep the gol- 
den rule stamped before you, so that your eyes will read, and 
your heart be willing to proclaim it, then would this beau- 
tiful religion be known, and its wings of love hover over all 
poor sin sick souls. 

My dear, to say that I rejoice to see the deep interest you 
manifest, and the assistance you give the cause will be but 
a slight expression of what I value it at, and language can- 



23 

not tell you what I have realized in my new life from your 
devotion. I have not been drawn back to earth by your 
recklessness as so many dear mothers and wives are to-day. 
You have assisted me in gaining a more sublime sphere for 
the simple reason, if you term it that, but I trust you 
do not, you have always went into a circle with thoughts 
of your family of the highest order, and always desiring the 
sw r eet faces, or the mild voices of so many dear ones, would 
manifest themselves, that it would give you new thoughts 
and brighten your journey through life. And should every 
member of humanity bear respect for us, and let everything 
else go aside, it would advance every dweller of the spirit 
world, and promote them as well in their daily walks, for it 
would not draw us to suffer with them, nor excite their 
sympathy so deeply that it hardens the heart for a time and 
the angel's messengers bear daily the same emblems of love 
so long before they can see w^hat is in store for them, and 
when the friends get out of difficulties then they look for 
the messengers and see where they are in the wrong, and 
then suffer in a degree for the same. 

So there is great necessity for the children in the earthly 
life to live it the best their abilities afford, and put always 
the best material in their life works that can be procured as 
the time will come sooner or later when the divine superin- 
tendant will examine all work, and if it bears the proper 
examination you will be advanced to the sweet summer 
land where the golden fruits are all in store, and the sweet 
gardens will be your dwelling places. 

Some people who read this may say, I wonder if Eve has 
one garden? I will answer, not that sort of garden, and 
your spiritual good is more to be looked after than any gar- 
den, whether of Adam's time or Eve's. 

Again as the opportunity is given do I return in this 
grand and noble cause. Since writing it has been noted 



24 

by many of our dear band the different opinions, people on 
earth cherish and hold so dear in regard to angels oowers 
or missions you hear one' say, why not all do the same, one 
you will say sings, another cries, another preaches to the 
people, and others are too foolish to be encouraged. Should 
I express myself so openly of the general conversation 
among the popular classes ? 

Now God never made all of one thing or set it into the 
world for operation for itstance, he would not want all 
the soil tilled to raise wheat, or rye, nor potatoes or any 
vegetable, for then there would be no market, or demand 
for them. God has only given to man that which is essen- 
tial for the country's good. He did not make the world to 
be all spiritualists, for then he surely would not need such 
an army of workers as he does to-day. Every one who 
has the power or voice for singing is not fitted to point out 
the beauties of your earth-land no more than your Henry 
Ward Beecher is to fill a vacancy around the throne of God 
to-day. And then when you read the history of the heav- 
enly land carefully, or look into the why and wherefore's 
you will see there are cases which lead to effects in every 
portion of human history. So should we all be permited 
to exercise every branch or line of God's high and holy 
duties, we would be as your land is to-day in a perfect 
jumble over the possibility of one getting all the chance to 
perform every wonder that our earthly friends ask or desire, 
and another be left to keep silence until some other chance 
were offered through some member yet in ignorance of heav- 
en's glories to reveal itself. 

Oh ! dear reader it is well that you are not the sole judges 
of your religion, or some would receive justice, and others 
would be weighed down under the sinful lusts of their fel- 
low man's faults. 

Oh ! when we look around this great plain, and see 



25 

how blinded the masses are I wonder at it, for it seems 
as if God had been so near at hand that every child of hu- 
manity could see him in nature and be able to read in the 
beauty and holiness he has intended them to. But like the 
people of three thousand years ago, they lead on and on 
into the same old path of hell and brimstone, until they be- 
come so smothered that it will take ages to get the disease 
out of their system so that the spiritual portions of the great 
book may be understood properly. 

Now when this reaches some skeptic eyes to read they will 
say, this a pretty thing, to write about God's works redicu- 
lious nonsense and folly. And so it may be but let me 
say this book will be read like some books of your holy 
bible to-day and the mind will wander back many times to 
the writing of the Mason family and call to the mind, 
many sweet truths of their hands and pen, and say as the 
light beams through some crack or crevice upon their souls, 
I must agree with them, although at that age I scoffed at 
the idea, so does the people goon turning leaves of the 
book of nature over in a heedless manner to the world for 
fear the inner life may let a ray of sunlight in upon the 
world that it will warm some tiny root that will spring forth 
and bloom in full perfection, if the angels are permitted to 
nourish and train it into the way it should go. 

But my dear people the day is not far distant when you 
must acknowledge the alwise hand of nature, and learn to 
worship God the infinite and unchangeable father of all 
your beings, and who offers you his guardian hand of love. 

He who is ever ready to place the balm of heaven upon 
every sin sick heart and bind you closer to heaven and its 
joys and blessings. He holds in his hand words for all 
the great family: I am the way, light and truth, and who- 
ever will ask of the holy spirit in my name, shall receive the 
pearl of great price, that which men cannot take away. 



26 

Oh ! loved ones stop for one moment and give this beauti- 
ful theory a thorough investigation, then in justice to your- 
self and God I ask, can you turn your backs and say, I could 
never believe it is from God, and can only say they are the 
works of the evil one? If so you have no knowledge of all 
God-like power, and are unfit for the holy angels to waste 
their time revealing to your soul heaven's joys. 

But many believe them. I well know that many of my 
own kin cherish the dreadful thoughts that there is a chosen 
people in the sight of God, and the others must follow in 
the dreary road to perdition, if they prefer it. Oh! to those 
I would say, God pity you, think how many of your fathers 
and mothers to-day are willing to cast their children into a 
firey furnace, because they have offended or violated some 
of your daily teachings in boyhood, and has not been un- 
der the shepherd's protection or in other words, under the 
church roof, how many could answer yes, I would? Not 
one of you would be like the woman who sinned, and no 
stone could be thrown, and I assure you no fires kindled. 

Now God's love is deeper than any father's or mother's, 
no matter where you find them, no matter how you think 
you could measure it, for he has said "come all ye that are 
weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest" and again, 
"be not troubled, I go before, that where I am ye may be 
also." Now when he has said to all his children these 
beautiful sayings, why shall they be weary? Why do the 
teachers of church or creeds say that the "wrath of God 
is upon you." Oh! ye miserable degraded men or wom- 
an. No God will wipe away all tears and sorrow and 
bind and train them into straight and beautiful trees of 
wisdom, and there will be the first grave of the church 
elect. 

What the missions of heaven are, is to save those who 
are cut down, and out of the church way and bid them 



27 

come into the fold of love and beauty. Creeds nor dogmas 
no longer hold my eyes closed nor my ears deaf from the 
fountain of truth, and my desire is to work in the field until 
I can say I have done that which the lord has given me to 
do, and can hear him say, "well done thou good and faith- 
ful servant" and pass on to a higher and more perfected 
state. 

I hope all who are offered this golden fruit will not fail to 
reach their tiny hands forth to secure more. My dear friends 
you cannot eat too much. There are no christians, no mat- 
etr how pious they may be ever had an over dose ; you 
never heard them cry unto God enough, but always ac- 
knowledging before the alter, their sinful ways, and begging 
to be redeemed through the blood of Jesus. I have rever- 
ence for all church people, but in order to illustrate the ways 
which the spiritualists take of the great church masses to- 
day, and we are more generous in receiving that class than 
they could be towards a spiritualist, as they are mere worms 
of the earth unworthy to be called by any religious name 
no matter how simple it might be. 

Again do I take up the work with additional power and 
will soon be ready to give up to others who have just com- 
menced in the great work of soul saving and give their 
views of human life. It gives us great courage to bring 
those upward and introduce them to powers on earth which 
we operate through and assist them in controling earth's 
people that they may be able to work in the vineyard read- 
ily. It no dotbt seems strange to hear us say to work in 
our vineyard. To those who do not believe in the God so 
to speak are strangers to God and have no divine work to do. 

But not so the spiritualist has greater work to do than 
any other society on the globe. They shoulder a responsi- 
bility for all children of earth and try and practice every 
good work which the men of churches fail to perform as 



28 

their creed does not embrace humanity, it goes no farther 
than the church people in its wanderings. My dear people 
one and all, my heart swells with rapture as I gaze upon 
your progress to-day you have done a good work, you 
have bound the good forces into such perfect harmony with 
this sphere that you may receive that crown which shall be 
changeless and unfading. God will bless you and receive 
you on flowery beds of ease into the eternal home where 
you will again come forth and the beautiful emblems of love 
through their great law of heaven and earth, which we de- 
pend upon for the elements to form our bands strong enough 
to break all opposing chains and enable us to present your 
friends in purity and beauty, and cheer the cold damp tem- 
ple they leave hehind. 

Oh ! we can gild the hours and paint life in its true colors 
and make it a paradise for earth's loved ones to dwell in the 
spirit shore. We have passed beyond that hymn of the old 
church. u O, Lord raise high our choirs over the hellish fires" 
and so many almighty liars deep down in hell and have 
gained a foothold where our hymns are raised high in cho- 
rus which all good angels desire to proclaim joy, peace and 
gladness to all in ignorance. 

Sweeter to the ears of a God does such praises sound 
than all those who are tied by a hellish link and cherish to 
eternity with no knowledge of such a being as God. Why 
it chills every heart as they come forth ready to battle in 
the great w r ork we have undertaken. And many times it 
would drive them back forever from the home where they 
once moved in equal rights and loveliness to foreign climes 
to work out their mission, and then promote the stranger 
who they have never known. But to. return in love to 
repay us is the desire of all spirits, and if they are rejected 
they will not come with love and gladness to their earthly 
home. 



As I will now close for others I will say to my friends 
and husband, I am so thankful for this opportunity that I 
cannot express myself, as every good work we bestow on 
earth so much do we gain in heaven. Although not a spirit- 
ualist when in the body, I hope you will bear gently the 
lessons of our experience, and hope to impart some lessons 
to those who are yet seeking this lovely truth that you may 
not be ushered in blindness and ignorance into the beautiful 
hereafter. 

Think well as you read these lines, and remember when 
you wander far away, that I am with you. And in the days 
when sickness shall come upon you, heed well the lesson 
that I have penned you through the fingers of an entire 
stranger and say, God bless every ready worker of heaven 
and may the spirit of divine love and beauty bestow their 
love upon this dear little friend who has been the source of 
much joy and comfort to you, and I assure you it has lifted 
a heavy burden from my heart and I can rejoice that al- 
though simple as it seems to be it is a work few have complet- 
ed, for the advancement of this world and ours. 

This work was written by my devoted son and myself 
for the interest and satisfaction of a kind companion and 
loving father while in earth life. 

Yours Truly, Mrs. Olive Bushnell Mason and her much 
loved son, Frank L Mason. Ever cherish these lines as 
your devoted wife will this golden opportunity. Farewell 
my dear friends. 



C0LLEC1I0N OF' LETTERS AND POEMS FROM THE MANY FRIENDS AND 
RELATIVES OF THE FAMILY NOW IN SPIRIT LIFE. 



O, wonderous thoughts throughout the land, 
Of earthly joys, of heavenly bands, 
Which waits the coming of great days, 
That angel hearts shall pour their lays 
To bind the wounded hearts that bleed ; 
And for the world we intercede ! 

O, make this earth in rapture swell. 
For truth and justice doth compel 
Each traveler yet beneath the skies, 
To kneel in reverence as he dies, 
To heavens powers of God divine, 
And make his future bright to shine, 
That when the thread of life is run 
You look to him and say well done ! 

To him that guides the universe, 
And heavenly showers all gloom disperse, 
Of grave and death, of all such fear 
That hovers around you feel so queer, 
That time and seasons seem alike, 
And always wrong instead of right ; 
You wonder at the ways of life, 
That it should be all envious strife. 

O, many christian friends, I pray, 
May hear these lines, wherein I say, 
The God above is truth and joy, 
And all his people have employ. 



32 

No book of science art or fame, 
Is found wherein we can explain 
This theory, great, sublime and true, 
As nature doth present to you. 

These lines so simple, rich and rare, 
Speak words of life you may share, 
Of many hills so steep and high 
You often think its faint and die; 
That God, the father of all earth, 
Has many ills assigned from birth, 
To chill the hopes you have inspired 
Because your heart too much desired. 

So oft we bring in twilight hours 

The loved ones bright from mighty towers 

To heal the sick, all gloom dispel, 

And lead you from that prison cell, 

To see the radiant light and love 

In flowery lands where truth and love 

Bear tidings great of God sublime 

In fairy lands of distant climes. 

Great wonders yet shall be revealed, 
And many life-books yet uusealed, 
Shall burst the bonds that holds them to 
Those church-yard paths, they still pursue, 
Till God the ruler, priest and king, 
Shall come and in all nature sing, 
Glory to that blessed throng 
Who battled bravely through all wrong. 

For truth and justice must prevail! 
Now we the superstitious sail 
Have rended by the awful blast 
Of wind and hail, in days to last! 
No more the life-boat here shall sink, 
Because its launched upon the brink 
Where angel's hands have bound secure 
The life ropes firm on God, its sure. 

O, God of love, and mercy send 
That balm from heaven all hearts to mend, 
Where ever weighed by countless cares, 
Send their dear messengers who shares 



33 

The sadness, sorrows, — all that's dark, 
And bears to earth their gentle bark, 
To softly glide across the stream, 
Where all is joy and peace serene! 

OLIVE BUSHNELL MASON. 



Child of sorrow, and of woe; 
Angels gladly you will show, 
Loving flowers, fragrant, sweet, 
And a loving friend to greet. 

Life is but an empty dream, 
And to you it oftimes seems 
Dark and lonely paths to tread, 
As your loved ones are all dead. 

Now they come these lines to write, 
Bidding you with us unite, 
Where the heavenly star above, 
Can its brilliance show in love. 

Heavenly joys you little know ; 
Rainbows fair we soon shall show 
From the darkest clouds of earth, 
There shall come to you a birth. 

One that bears this emblem to 
Come ye all and not the few : 
God has chosen rich and poor 
You a place its true and sure. 

Now upon this tablet fair, 
I a token have declared, 
God is love, and truth abides. 
And he from no precepts slides. 

Earthly things shall fade and die, 
And to spirit worlds they fly. 
Come ye sinners great and small, 
Jesus welcomes one and all. 

Fear not hell's dark dwelling here ; 
God does not a devil rear; 



34 

Lo ! he bids you all in love, 
To that sacred throne above. 

To the family bond or free, 
Angels hand will twine for thee, 
Lovely wreaths with fragrance sweet, 
For the life that we complete. 

Father, mother, all draw near, 
You a word of light so clear : 
Sisters, brothers, uncles, three, 
Send their love to strengthen thee. 

Now you ask me for my name ; 
I am not a one of fame, 
With a face that holds a wen, 
I will gladly come again. 

Many ones on earth shall know, 
As you them these lines shall show ; 
And a mother gently bends, 
You a word perchance may lend. 



YOUR MOTHER. 



Spirit World, Oct. 22, 1879. 

My much loved Son: 

As it has been a great pleasure to all our 
spirit friends to assist in their grand explanation of the spir- 
itual spheres, I will with the utmost pleasure endorse this 
religion which you are so bountifuly blest in upon your 
land. As far as tests are concerned, you well know that I 
am the same father to-day as in years gone by, and work 
with the same interests in a degree, as when in earth life, 
we are as near as ever to you to make known to you the 
revealings of eternity. 

We bind together all the broken links of mankind and 
make them exceptable unto God and your earth, and cher- 



35 

ish the golden rule with all reverance. To some who are 
not familliar with the misterious power through which the 
two worlds are connected and perfected, it may seem a ri- 
diculious folly or false immagination that leads enlightened 
minds away from God, and maddens their brain and only 
finish them into perfect subjects for Dixmont or some other 
asylum suitable for such. 

But dear friends whoever and wherever you are, I would 
say to you, you are mistaken and blinded by the seal of 
ignorance, and until the fingers of divine messengers comes 
to rend it and enable you to see clearly through the mists 
which darkly gather around your pathway, you cannot see 
clearly the earthly happiness you are all entitled to exercise 
and enjoy. 

God as a living father hath prepared the way, "that where 
He is, there you may be also" and when you believe that 
God is with you, and in everything, how can this beautiful 
passage be reognized as a truth. And my reader and son 
are you not with him. I answer you he will lead you gen- 
. tly through the trials of this life, and prepare you a dwell- 
ing "not made with hand, but eternal in the heavens," and 
what are you to do, nothing is the answer from a thousand 
tongues throughout all your land. And upon this side the 
answer comes echoing through the air, we have a mission 
to perform to assist the great bountiful father above and the 
parents who have cared so tenderly for you from the cradle 
to the grave may be interested. 

Remember that greater love hath no man, than your 
heavenly father for all the universal family, and will bear 
the scoffs and frowns of all the world as in the days of old 
for the sake of making his beautiful power visible to the 
eyes. What a blessed thought that both worlds can com- 
mune with each other and to hear the angels voices chant 
those beautiful hymns of welcome. To all who says, teach 



36 

me of heaven its beauty and holiness and blot out the stings 
of death and give us all strength to battle against the trials 
and ills of life, and to say, we will be a child of him who 
giveth the bread of everlasting life to all suffering people. 
Well I must withdraw and hope to be able to give you 
another letter. May the blessing of him who passeth all 
understanding be with you my dear child and angels kiss 
the shadows from thy brow in days to come. 

When father, mother, sister three; 
Shall welcome you my son, 
T'is then the work of angels hands 
May wave and say well done ! 

Your Affectionate Father, 

HALE MASON. 



Spirit World Oct. 29, 1879. 

Dear Brother: 

Along the shores of earth you journey alone 
and with great thoughts wonder o'er heaven's grand plain. 
Yet not alone, say only unseen by the natural eye, but 
always visible to that lovely spiritual eye which leadeth 
you through pastures green and bring you out by the streams 
of living waters that shall quench all thirst. Remember 
thy sister has oftimes visited you and with a gentle influence 
have blinded many times the eyes of disappointment and 
gloom, and made them again appear in a milder form. Giv- 
ing you to understand that the loved ones were about you, 
and whatever you were engaged in we assisted you. 

As so many grand suggestions have already been made 
I think there is nothing left undone for me tofinish. Aunt 
Liddie has just written a beautiful letter to you, giving 
you that blessed assurance we all do of the great life 
hereafter. I will only say we are delighted to see you 



37 
seeking so earnestly the welfare of your spiritual home, 
as well as the natural dwelling upon earth. Oh ! dearest 
brother life is beautiful in this heavenly land and would that 
all the children of earth were so happy it would paint the 
pictures of paradise upon every cheek and smiles of great 
joy, erase many sorrows. Bidding you good bye my broth- 
er until some future time. 

Your Affectionate Sister, 

M. MASON HOOKER. 



To my dear Son-in-law, Levi Mason : 

As I view this great world to-day, 
I am forced to acknowledge there has been unparalelled 
success in your great subordinate school for the past thirty- 
three years. I congratulate all dwellers upon this beautiful 
plain of progression. And may God's blessing bring that 
sweet angelic communion which shall gradually elevate and 
educate all primary departments of life acceptable to that 
infinite father who shall point out on all the maps of nature 
with various illustrations of the heavenly beauties yet un- 
known to any philosopher except it be a spiritualist. 

Or in other words no learned men of the past or present, 
has been so abundantly blest as your followers of to-day. 
No dewy showers has fallen upon that pearly seed of their 
spirits strong enough to burst that temple which has been 
so firmly banded through the evangelical meditations of so 
vast a majority in the world. 

I have viewed the heavens and earth thougherly and now 
present my testimony with countless thousands from the 
great throne of all elect. 

I sincerely trust your laborers may secure due compen- 
sation upon this plain for all earnest endeavors to proclaim 
their beautiful phenomena, so called spirit communion be- 



38 

tween the two worlds, as God the universal ruler shall be- 
stow that comfort and consolation which passeth all worldly 
visions. 

Accept these lines as the compliments of myself and wife 
as a memorial of our unbounded love towards one who has 
devoted heart and soul to the communion of those who 
have taken up life in a more sublime degree. 

And now I present these few lines to assist and endorse 
this great work so called spiritualism. Language cannot 
express my gratitude towards all the assisting elements, I 
have been favored with to-day in writing to you. 

Yours Truly, Father Bushnell, to my affectionate son, 
Levi Mason. 



My Friends and Brother: 

As I view the past, I see many mistaken 
thoughts relative to our future existance, and at times when 
trials had weighed down my soul, I have looked up to 
heaven and breathing gently the prayer. Oh ! God of all 
love can'st thou restore health through faith unto me as I 
believe he had done in olden times, and still there came no 
relief until my spirit was released from all earthly bondage, 
then my prayers were answered. 

So by sad experience in earth life, I was taught many 
lessons concerning God's high and holy laws which govern 
your lovely world, and as far as I have tasted of his wonder- 
ous grace upon this celestial shore. 

I must acknowledge there has been countless mistakes of 
the past rectified, and being willing to receive all knowledge 
pertaining to spiritual laws and government, I am now able 
to present to the many ready hearers my testimony to 
assure and promote all that tends to elevate God's throne 
of wisdom. 



39 

Dear people I have viewed the heavenly landscape o'er 
and o'er, and seen the beauty which the masses has so firmly 
declared, and I am willing to bear the cross that I may re- 
ceive that light and glory which every true child of God is 
entitled. 

Oh! this is indeed a crown that shall bear "faith, hope 
and charity" throughout all eternity. Would that every 
chain in your world to-day was without a broken 
link it would gild all passing events with another charm 
and turn many wounded spirits into perfect forms of 
beauty. Then the God of all nations w r ould sing the sweet 
chants of heaven throughout all seasons, and the lion and 
lamb quietly perform their mission in sweet peace. 

Many thoughts arrive as I go on in this great progressive 
world, and as I advance in this divine work, I cannot create 
any desire to return. When there comes suffering to you 
that I may assist in serving the bonded spirit and bear it 
gently to that comforting father who speaks to all earth and 
says, "let not your heart be troubled, for where I am there 
ye may be also." Oh! what a beautiful saying, and if you 
believe God is in heaven you must all believe that all will 
be there sooner or later, as you are all children of his crea- 
tion. 

Did you ever stop and consider the saying, did he permit 
Satan to contradict his word in that holy book, by saying, 
there is a hell, and I am the mighty ruler. Be ye troubled, 
for great is the suffering God hath permitted me to bestow 
upon his chosen people. Now to me it seems absurd. To 
me it seems as if God was contradicting all law and become 
so inhuman, he was incapable of fulfilling his words where 
he says, I am love, truth and justice and full of compas- 
sion, and died that the world might be saved. My peo- 
ple did this emblem of life read to save a chosen people? 
No for he came to save that which was lost, and I claim 



40 

that the whole world was lost until he shed his blood upon 
the cross that through that love we might overcome all evil 
and thereby redeem a stricken world. And in the spiritual 
view of God and the divine revelation you are all saved from 
that devil which the superstitious views of man to-day has 
so fearfully pictured in distress and agony. 

God has suffered every hour through the world on ac- 
count of your sins, and sending his messengers to reclaim 
the fallen and lift them from the dust and ashes of earth, 
that they may hear his melodious voice calling you to 
view the future through the spiritual cristal which erases 
all false conceptions of christ and presents him as he is a 
true teacher. 

This has been a wonderful season, the crowns have fallen 
from some, and royalty has gone to sleep among its count- 
less thousands. All science is being aroused to the many 
strange and wonderful developments of the globe, and all 
powers to enforce the laws of your sabbath, seems fast com- 
ing into operation, but remember before you commence in 
this broad field, put aside those notions which lead you so 
blindly, put down this unnecessary pride which leads to 
curses daily. Then come forth in loving bands to strength- 
en and assist your people to point out causes which leads 
to such evil effects, and then you have a christ like spirit, 
and have taken the sins from the worlds face by the roots 
never again to spring forth at coming seasons. 

Sabbath ordinances should be obeyed, but let all earth be 
educated in the right direction, first that they may under- 
stand the definition of that word, and then if love prevents 
these mistaken confidences in your minister, there shall be 
rewards ten fold. This my readers is christ as a true ex- 
ample, this is the mighty creator's law which he presented 
to govern and maintain order throughout the world. You 
can view the battle field, and for example, christ taught 



41 
peace, good will, not arogance, as to-day is stamped on the 
force of earth, and create no wars, let peace be over your 
land, and God will bless your earnest endeavors and assist 
you through unseen powers, to blot out all our iniquities. 
And may the experience of one who has lately been called 
to labor in the field of spiritual blessing bear gently some 
seed to the world that shall take root and grow, that when 
they are ushered to this etherial home they may return as 
I do to-day, and their testimonys to all that is of so much 
importance I humbly ask all to investigate closely all pow- 
ers and try them, and if they are of God they will cheerfully 
prove themselves and present the light and love I have en- 
deavored to reveal to you. And if there is such a world as 
satans, here he will no doubt make known his laws through 
some of his agents in the world yet to be seen. 

Yours Truly, 

ELIZA BUSHNELL. 



Spirit World, Oct. 29, 1879. 

My Dear Nephew : 

I avail myself of this golden opportunity of 
writing to you my opinions from this side of the river. To 
advance your ideas and thoughts relative to the great here- 
after you are yet to be ushered into. Be not fearful of meet- 
ing that awful judgment day, as you are all judged daily, 
and your behaviour cronicled in the book of God never to 
be erased by the coming judgment, nor the devils great 
fires as it has been thought by us all more or less. 

Instead of the great fires to burn all sinners forever, he 
has given you love and communion with the holy angels. 
And they are your many friends and relatives who form 
this band of ready workers to remove all that is a detriment 
and to teach you Christianity in the way God has ordained 



42 

all those who desire to know him as he is. He is not 
the revengeful Father we all here supposed we 
should meet, and if we stood the great examination, 
pass on to the great white throne to shout halleujahs 
forever more. We are ''redeemed through the intercession 
of Christ our blessed saviour, and his precious blood cleansed 
all our iniquities." O, dear friends, God's blood no more than 
any other human being's ever heard of, could not wash the 
sins of the whole family out, or even one-half. You are 
cleansed from all sin and degredation when you pass from 
this life into the next. Then you commence a new life, born 
of God, the author of our religion and every good work. 
You then go on progressing in the great work of God. 

He has placed you there above your common standpoint 
and given you the instruments to live and operate through ; 
and in coming to earth again you may be weaned of 
the sins and lusts of the past and pass on to higher spheres, 
where you may be taught by holy messengers of light and 
glory, how they move on in their spiritual home, and bid 
them seek that which is higher and more beautiful. 

Often do they see where they have done those things, 
they ought not to have done, and violated the laws of God. 

They must then repent, or in other words be cleansed by 
the great and holy spirit of God, who is full of love and com- 
passion for all. 

So my many friends who cherish the blessed thoughts 
that christians generally do, that all outside the fold of God's 
cloak will be burned in that great fire or damned forever, 
will wake up in great surprise when some of these poor fel- 
low creatures, who have died with such sins and crimes at- 
tached to their souls, such as murder, stealing from some 
members of the churches in life, and other deeds, for which 
they should have been sent to hell, regardless of judgment, 
or even taking into consideration that he or she might have 



43 
been a member of God's family instead of the devil's, and 
accidently strayed away from his early teachings. Ah, well 
we may then hold counsel together and redeem him through 
praying that the devil may catch some who are not mem- 
bers of our flock, and give him the full extent of the law. 

But you will meet the rich and poor, the high and low, 
and no doubt be welcomed into the pearly gates of heaven by 
those who you have wronged and spitefully treated, and 
who has been the thief and murderer, and yet never tasted 
death. But it may be a mistake, you may say their getting 
in. No mistakes occur on god's side, neither no changes 
in his designs no matter how great the man or small his 
deeds may appear to some great captain of a church. 

God has fitted up his church that it may take black or 
white, green or yellow, no distinction in any class or people, 
but you will all be one grand family, and all be saved through 
love and purity, it stands for you to decide whether you 
will advance or fall back. Choose ye this day that portion 
of your lives, that you may be prepared to see your God of 
beauty, not upon that throne with countless harps tuned to 
sweet praises going up in harmony to him. For some time 
w r e look back to earth and wonder at the ease God is sup- 
posed to have, to ever hear all the notes uttered by the great 
masses on earth to him. 

I am thankful to see you growing out of the old super- 
stitions, and taking natural reasons of God and the hereafter, 
and can walk without fear of church or people, and acknowl- 
edge openly your beautiful religion in any place, and claim 
it will brighten the eye and give you a clearer knowledge 
of what heaven is, and what earth ought to be. 

I thank our friend who affords you this unspeakable pleas- 
ure as well as myself, and hope in coming days to speak of 
points that will greatly interest you and guide you through 



44 

the journey of life, and at last land your frail bark upon the 
shores of true happiness. 

Yours Truly, 

SAMPSON MASON. 



Spirit World, Oct. 27, 1879. 

Dear Levi : 

I am now able to write for myself. My eyes 
are no longer blinded. I can see the great beauty once more 
of your earth, where for a long season I was not permitted 
to behold the grass in the spring time nor the spring flow- 
ers, and thought it a great affliction oftimes. But the God 
of heaven ordered it so, and I listened to the kind voices 
singing the sweet hymns and reading the blessed work of 
our saviour with great joy and interest. Thanking the 
great invisible power for my hearing and hoping sometime 
to be released from my eye troubles. 

I can hold up my hands and say, thanks to the holy spirit 
who has given me a spiritual eye clear and free from all 
diseases as the eyes of your spectacles, or those of your 
own body, so that I can see to write you of this blessed 
kingdom and not be so much care as I used to be when you 
and I visited together. 

You know of course how delightful my home is here 
and all our loved ones. 

The lands here are not decked with grass and pebbles as 
yours are, neither the earth tilled the same, but it is tilled and 
cultivated by the kind wishes and good deeds to all children 
of men. You ask if we are employed, I answer yes, but as 
our w T ork is not visible to the naked eye, some think it is 
impossible for God's elect to work, we are not so aristocratic 
as your world to-day and must labor yet unseen, in order 
to put down some of the ignorance and pride which has 



45 
broken men and country, and brought ruination upon the 
lands. 

This seems quite strange that the upper world would not 
endorse your mode of living, let not one think for one in- 
stant, that we do not take as much pleasure in seeing our 
friends enjoy life as we ever did. But when you violate the 
laws of nature to such an extent, as many do we then go 
against you, and the results are a hastened death and a fam- 
ily perhaps left destitute of that kind care and protection 
which God your heavenly father has intended you to fill, and 
then the cry is, how dreadful it is that God has taken from 
our midst such a devout brother or sister. 

Yes it is to lead others in the ways of life, and bid them 
to seek those laws of the great mother earth that shall pro- 
tect them from all dangerous diseases, and sing the sweet 
lulabyes of heaven unto the hungry souls. Think for one 
moment, and I can assure you every affliction of earth in 
some degree, you have been the cause, and remember God 
sendeth not judgments as you would send them unto his 
children, should they violate your laws, for he bids all come 
in peace and beauty, and gives to each that crown which 
your good or evil works hath won for you, and says, repent 
and look to that blessed home so lovely in the heavens, and 
as he has tenderly written "come unto me" he will not 
change a particle, but receive you all according to the deeds 
done in the body. So live the best you can, and have 
charity for all knowing that we are liable subjects for sin in 
some form or other. 

I am only thankful to the great spirit above for all I re- 
ceived on earth and feel it, such a sweet privilege to see to 
pen this to you. I hope from these few lines you may re- 
ceive some good, and if the opportunity is offered me, I 
shall be greatly pleased to address you again. 

Oh ! dear children could you see, 



46 

Heavenly joys awaiting thee; 
Would you spiritualism shun, 
Spoke through father, mother, son ? 

No, you would not heedless be, 
When the angel hands you see, 
Bearing crowns of fadeless flowers, 
From those lovely, heavenly bowers. 

It will drive away all care ; 
Their sweet fragrance in the air, 
And shall bind the dreadful wound 
That awaits you at the tomb. 

Love from heaven we gently bring, 
Bidding you to let us sing 
One sweet note of heavenly bliss, 
That may cheer the comfortless. 



Your loving old aunt, 

LIDDIE MASON. 



Grandpa M. and Henderson too, 
All have an object yet in view; 
Lo ! they reach their aged hands 
From that flowery spirit land. 

Soon the roses they will bring, 
And their aged lips shall sing, 
Sweeter praises from afar 
While the gates are yet ajar. 

Many loved ones they shall lead 
Through their messengers with speed, 
To the realms of blest abode. 
To discharge their heavy load. 

Grandpa, grandma, both unite 
In this noble strife for right 
Uncles, aunts, relations too, 
All find countless things to do. 

Lo ! the angels from above, 
Comes to sympathize and love, 



47 

Many children yet unknown, 
To their great Redeemer's throne. 

We must labor while its light, 
To exclude that darkened sight : 
Come dear Levi to the throne, 
And acknowledge all you own. 

Never fear the frowns you get, 
All must in their lifetime yet, 
Receive that blessed sacred truth, 
We, should instill it from their youth. 

The birds and flowers have seasons all, 
Before they make that welcome call; 
And so with natures laws of love, 
We bear them gently from above. 

To those whose eyes are weak and blind, 
Perchance they may some jewel find; 
And so it is from hour to hour , 
W T e speak from heavens own mighty towers. 

To cheer the fallen help the weak, 
That they the light and truth may seek; 
To let yon know in sacred rhyme, 
That here's the place and now's the time. 

For all who yet in doubt and fear, 
Assemble each a test to hear, 
Of heavenly powers, of flowers fair, 
And see how we the worlds compare. 

Now where's the punishment you say ? 
Perhaps if we should go away, 
Without a word of that great day, 
When you may hear your maker say. 

Stand ye, and at this throne receive 
The heavy blows that friends may give, 
Because you not a hell have feared 
And many gods and devils reared. 

To crush the children of all earth, 
Who not in fears have lived from birth, 
To make their lives a pleasure too 
By preaching heaven and hell to you, 



4 8 

Rise high all children here in life, 
That we may show you in the light, 
Bright jewels from a God of peace, 
That through the death he may release. 

All cares and trials here below, 
Are subject more or less to show, 
That heavenly worlds may gently bend 
Their heads to earth a word to blend. 

To cheer and guide each fallen one, 
And bid them evil ways to shun, 
And speak in spirit to every need, 
That holds within itself the seed. 

Where flowers may root, and plants sublime 

May grow from spirits sunny clime, 

And bid you all the lessons learn; 

And from their powers you ne'r should turn. 

Although it may be less than you 
Remember all the chosen few, 
How many times you often faint 
In rending superstitions veil! 

Which if you would open wide 
The door of art and look inside : 
You find the lily and the rose 
Made up it may be said in prose. 

But when you find them often rude, 
Remember they are not so crude, 
As many yet who still in life 
Are full of envy creed and strife. 

Now friends, and loved ones all so near, 
Think not of death for all is clear; 
And heavenly gates are open wide, 
That you may softly through them glide. 

How many loved ones yet unknown, 
Who stand by friends they claim their own ; 
A mother's smile comes gently through, 
As we shall bid you all adieu. 



From the Grand Parents. 



49 



WRITTEN FOR THE EDIFICATION OF OUR BROTHER, LEVI MASON, AND 
ALL WHO DEEM THEMSELVES SPIRITUALISTS. 



God of beauty, and of love, 
Take now my heart as thine. 
Administer to all it's wants, 
From that sweet, sacred clime. 

Teach all earth's people here below, 
The way to live, in peace, 
That when they come to worlds unknown, 
All trouble then may cease. 

Hold out thy glorious banners bright, 
That all may see them clear, 
And at that resurrection day, 
They shall no judgment fear. 

Then father, mother, wife and son, 
Shall meet to part no more, 
Where ail isjoy, and light, and love, 
On Can nan's happy shore. 

The blind shall see, 
The dumb shaU speak, 
The deaf shall hear, 
In words so sweet. 

The glories of a heavenly home 
For all, and not around that throne 
Where God the great redeemer sits, 
To judge the devil's from his own. 

No subject for that devil's world 
Is heard now, as in days of old, 
For death of Christ redeemed you all, 
If you believe that story told. 

Dispair and gloom are laid aside, 
In this the blessed future, 
For heaven's doors are open wide 
For you as well as Luther. 

No creeds, or dogmas, can unite, 
With spiritualism kindly, 
For ignorance, pride, and haughtiness, 
Have led them on too blindly. 



5o 

I now a lesson you have taught, 
As God hath me intended, 
To show you proudly one and all, 
How heaven and earth are blended. 

Good bye, 

TECUMSECH. 
Spirit world fifth step. 



TUSCALOOSA, CHIEF OF HIS TRIBE, HAS NAMED EACH PERSON SITTING 

IN THE CIRCLE, WHOM HE HAS CONTROLLED, AND HE HAS 

PUT THEIR NAMES IN THE FOLLOWING POEM: 



Red cheek hippo and violet blue, 
All have a work they n'er can do, 
Rosebud lily and bluebells three, 
All send a greeting back to thee. 

Lo! the trailing arbutus brings 
In benevolence you a king, 
A japonica, bright and fair, 
Fragrant tube rose has its share. 

Now with all your dear good friends, 
Remember that sweet charity blends 
With her feathers white and fair — 
Pinafore gets his equal share. 

Come now children, while he is near, 
Blue sky now a word of cheer, 
And though sweet forget-me-nots 
Shall bear jewels in life's yacht. 

Clear up all malice with your friends, 
That soon you may all flowers blend 
In boquets sweet, so rich and rare, 
That with your names you may compare. 

A Washington lady makes her way, 
With callas sweet, her glorious sprays, 
Shall make the oleander bloom, 
As mignonette lends her sweet perfume. 

She heals the wounds, all worldly mars, 
And seeks to comfort through those jars, 
Which tears the tiny little vine, 



5i 

Wherein the moss-rose doth entwine. 

Those emblems sweet for coming life, 
She echoes softly through all strife ; 
Bear gently with each worldly care, 
Helitrope comes per chaace may share. 

The lot of many a drooping flower, 
That lives in woodlands shaded bower. 
Where the gentle breezes fail 
To open up that deadened soil. 

That when the golden dafodil 
Shall come at Springtime's gentle will, 
To lend her beauty, not perfume, 
And lesson Winter's chilling gloom. 

And point to all the tulips fair, 
They to a portion must declare, 
In coming seasons may present, 
In flowery dress all compliments. 

Which tend to all my favorites, 
Its said quite true we are little mites, 
Compared with mighty flowery cones. 
Which deck those lovely foreign homes. 

But now you see the tastes are strange ; 
I bring from the red man's hunting range, 
Where sturdy oaks are chilled to day, 
And brought to ruin, dust and clay. 

Where trees have started firm and true, 
And now seems drooping, as I view, 
The hunting grounds of God divine, 
In distant lands, in western climes. 

So as I speak in words so clear, 
That all the flowers may yet appear, 
As plain as I have penciled these, 
Old TUSKAS, heart is now at ease. 



O, now dear friends I gladly come, 
A word from your Geo. Washington, 
To speak of state and nation all, 
That though it be a token small. 



52 

With earnest hearts and purpose too ! 
He toiled to make his country true, 
In peace and love to nations all, 
And not obey that trumpet call, 

Which leads to countless brothers fall. 
And brings destruction on you all, 
Has come at last on black and white, 
You cannot banish it outright. 

For weal and woe, are seen to-day, 
As Congress makes her grand display; 
While government and people stand, 
Afraid to reach their trembling hands. 

To quench the fires they now have kindled, 
As the Nation's treasury they have swindled, 
In ways so smooth you n'er can judge, 
Until it gets into a smudge. 

Then nations all in fear shall rise, 
As they shall wave before their eyes, 
In declaration dark and drear, 
The voice of war again shall hear. 

As cannon's fire, and countless shells, 
Brave Lincoln now his country tells — 
Disturbance now in blood and gore, 
Shall sweep countless numbers more ! 

Then Congress all in houses fair, 
They too a portion of it share ; 
And not the families all disbanded, 
As laws of peace have been unstranded. 

The hand that moves, that regulates, 
That waits a fruitful action. 
For national laws to be enforced, 
Says Honorable General Jackson. 

God bless the national flag so free ; 

And may you in all honor be, 

With North, and South, and East, and West, 

And government war can be at rest. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON, 

Ex-President U. S. 



53 
THANKSGIVING ADDRESS. 



On this lovely November morning comes thoughts of 
that national holiday, thanksgiving, every soul is preparing 
some token of remembrance which shall cling to your mem- 
ory throughout all life. 

As I return I can heartily assure you that the country 
was never in so much need of national services for her spec- 
ial welfare, as at the present. Your homes have become 
drained from all the sweet influences of the old long gone 
by presidents until now, with yearning hearts you raise 
your forces once more to connect the electric cord with 
heaven, and see what great God will bestow upon a stricken 
people in the coming new year. 

O! may God the alwise ruler send his holy messengers 
through all opposing armies to fight that battle yet to come 
before the state, and nation will succeed in making con- 
gressional laws, and learning all people to walk and talk in 
peace together. Oh! may your prayers be upon the coming 
days be heard throughout all your land. May you be sin- 
cere, and with purpose true believing that as you assemble 
in the temples to lay all sin and crime before the almighty 
God that he may graciously pardon those of the past and 
give you spiritual strength to commence the new term of 
years with strong honest laborers, and be known by your 
good works, and deeds that as your lamps shall go out, you 
may be numbered among those old heroic stars of freedom, 
who has fought for truth and justice to prevail. 

Oh! now there comes a time when every knee shall bow, 
and every tongue shall ask in penitence that God will mend 
the national law, that there may be some salvation for the 
growing generation. Royalty has fallen from their crowns, 
and are now sleeping in the lusts, and degrading habits, 
which has been their successors. Ask that God to 
break some of the iron bands which has ruined so many of 
your brothers to-day. Let your cries be met by the spirit 



54 
halfway in behalf of the misery upon your land, and I can 
assure you that prosperity would be stamped on every flag 
which waves under the nation's discipline. 

Look at the brave Lincoln and see if he sailed with flow- 
ers strewn under his feet to fade as your present leaders. Look 
through the history of his presidential career, and see hon- 
ors chronicled through visits and travels to foreign lands. 
Can they be compared to the present situation of govern- 
ment? No, he obeyed his country's call, and endeavored 
to put down the rebellious cries; and let peace reign un- 
bounded towards all, both north and south. 

He was a father to his country and looked wisely, and at 
last suffered death for you all. 

Oh! may you place an alter in the midst of every house- 
hold, and offer a sacrifice for all the bountiful blessings of 
those past heroes who have taught you to wave your banners 
in peace and liberty, and may this national day live long in 
memory's sweet career, and bring you to see the errors of 
your present government. And may our prayers go out 
with you in behalf of the great destructive fires which has 
been kindling since the departure of your brave captain and 
leader Lincoln. 

He toiled for country and civil improvement, he toiled to 
make you better, and place you upon an equal plain of 
rightousness, and never received the glory and honor you 
have showered on the chair since, and may you erase all 
that blotted lesson in the national books, and see clearly 
that showy dress and foreign honors of to-day can not place 
you in such a flourishing prosperity as he did at that time. 

No future will bear the prosperous emblems as that of the 
past; and now dear people you need to offer more true pray- 
ers up to the infinite father before you can mend the broken 
chains into sweet communion. 

Yours Truly, 

GEN. SAMPSON MASON. 
Springfield, Ohio, Nov. 27, 1879. 



HiuiiinnHHi •■ 

022 171 486 6 



